Sudan Army Claims Khartoum Free of Rebels, Unexploded Devices Pose New Threat

Sudan Conflict and Aftermath

• 🇸🇩 The Sudanese army announced the complete clearance of Khartoum state from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) after a major offensive.
• ⚠️ Despite the army's claims, residents returning to Khartoum face a new threat from thousands of unexploded devices scattered across the city.
• 💥 At least 16 people have been killed and dozens injured by explosions from these devices in recent weeks.
• 🌍 UN clearance teams are working to secure the capital but require more funding, equipment, and cooperation from Sudanese authorities.
• ✈️ Sudan has accused the UAE of a direct military strike on Port Sudan, alleging the UAE is backing the RSF with advanced weapons, an accusation the UAE denies.
• 🤝 Sudan's de facto leader appointed former UN official Camil Idris as Prime Minister, a move welcomed by the African Union as a step towards restoring constitutional order.

South Africa-US Relations and Diplomacy

• 🇿🇦 South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is in Washington for a meeting with Donald Trump amid heightened tensions.
• 🇺🇸 The visit follows the US accepting 49 white South Africans as refugees, citing racial persecution, a claim Ramaphosa denies.
• 🗣️ Key discussion points are expected to include South Africa's black economic empowerment laws, farm attacks, its case against Israel at the ICJ, and growing ties with Iran and China.
• 🌍 Some South Africans are concerned Ramaphosa might face embarrassment, while others prioritize jobs and the AGOA trade deal over foreign policy stances.

Chadian Political Unrest

• 🇹🇩 Former Chadian Prime Minister and opposition leader Succès Masra faced judicial police, accused of fueling ethnic tensions.
• ⚖️ His arrest has triggered an outcry, with opposition figures denouncing a politically motivated trial aimed at removing Masra from the political landscape.
• 🏛️ The government spokesperson insists that justice is operating independently and the executive branch does not interfere.

Egyptian Cinema and Politics

• 🇪🇬 Director Tarik Saleh's film "Eagles of the Republic" premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, a political thriller addressing corruption and misconduct in contemporary Egypt.
• 🎬 The film criticizes military control over Egypt's film industry and politics, using real footage of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and a lookalike.
• 💡 The film is described as an act of empathy that opens doors and raises the bar for the industry.

African Football and EU Partnership

• ⚽ The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has partnered with the European Commission to support upcoming tournaments.
• 🇪🇺 The EU will sponsor the African Schools Football Championship and the 2025 and 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
• 🤝 The partnership aims to boost youth football and strengthen ties between Europe and Africa, with over 33,000 schools already participating.